Night fell too fast in Avernon City.
Lights in the Devano Corporation offices winked out one by one, leaving the executive floor in a silence that felt... deliberate. I was still there. In the small lounge near Alaric's office. Waiting without knowing what for.
The door opened.
Alaric emerged last. Jacket off. White shirt unbuttoned one notch lower than usual. His face wasn't cold—worn, taut, and... too honest.
"You're still here," he said.
"You haven't told me to go," I replied.
He stopped in front of me. The hallway empty. Quiet. Too quiet for two people who'd just forged a dangerous alliance.
"We talk. Now."
Not a request.
He pushed his office door open again, pulled me inside, shut it. The lock clicked softly.
And suddenly...
We were alone.
Just the hum of the AC. And my breath, too loud.
"You were too bold today," he said quietly.
"You let me," I shot back.
He took one step closer. "I wanted to see if you'd fold."
"I don't."
"I know."
